The danger of edibles in your home with children present
The introduction of edibles
Are your brownies special; do your gummies look like vitamins? Are you part of the fastest growing group of cannabis users?
Edibles became legal in Alberta on Oct 17 2019, as part of the second wave in the legalization of cannabis. This group includes chocolate, cookies, brownies, beverages and gummies, which began arriving on the shelves of local licensed retail outlets starting in January. With the change in law people are also able to produce their own edible products for personal use. Hence the popularity of the new television series with Martha Stewart and Snoop dog
Important to note is the difference between ingested rather than smoked or vaporized cannabis. The effects / results from the use of edibles is a much slower process which leads to an increase risk of consuming too much at one time. It is also very unpredictable as to how long the effects of ingesting will last. Taking a harm reduction approach it is suggested that all users should start low and go slow, 2.5 mg or less. With particular attention being paid to the ingestion of homemade edibles, as it is next to impossible to know any dosage levels.
There is great concern that the legalizing of cannabis edibles will directly create an increase in the number of children being poisoned by ingesting products mistakenly. Items such as brownies, cookies, and gummies look and resemble harmless foods and candies and children are not able to tell the difference.
There are a few factors that contribute to this concern, first there is no longer a need to keep illegal products hidden combined with a decrease in the stigma previously connected with using cannabis products.
Also we are seeing a considerable increase in the usage of the product which directly leads to an increased availability and exposure to cannabis in what could have been previously described as a cannabis-free zone. The fastest growing users are those over 50 years of age, referred to as the “Boomerangers;” a group with a familiarity to cannabis who are now giving themselves permission to enjoy old and new ways of consuming. Retailers have provided a non-judgmental opportunity for people to seek information and recommendations for product use, as well as new and improved merchandise for use and consumption.
National Poison Prevention Week was March 15 – 21, and the focus of this year’s campaign is the prevention of cannabis poisoning in children.
• Packaging in Alberta is to be child resistant, but as with all drugs storage is recommended to be locked up tight and out of sight.
• Do not use cannabis when children are present.
• Do not prepare or consume edible cannabis products when children are present.
• Guests, family or friends may bring cannabis into your home. Put purses, backpacks and coats out of children’s reach.
• If cannabis is taken by children, call Poison and Drug Information Services (PADIS) at 1-800-332-1414
• Cannabis can be harmful to pets so call a vet if your pets get into your cannabis.
More info and online resources can be found at the Injury Prevention Centre, Poison and Drug Information Service, P.A.D.I.S., Alberta Health Services.
Ann Pudwell is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services, and can be reached via e-mail, ann.pudwell@ahs.ca